718                              Laws of Maryland                      [Ch. 201

(2) Notwithstanding any provision in this subsection, before any
board may use punchcard ballots, the particular punchcard ballot sys-
tem, including the form of ballot arrangement, the nature of the
punchcard used, the method of marking ballots, and any sorting
or counting devices must be approved for use in the State by the
State Administrative Board of Election Laws. Before approving
a punchcard ballot system for use in the State, the State Adminis-
trative Board of Election Laws shall be satisfied that the system
is accurate, efficient and free from the likelihood of mechanical
breakdowns and understandable by voters, that it is subject to re-
count by some other system, and that it complies with the laws of
Maryland.

(b) The ballots shall contain the words "Absentee Ballot" printed
in large letters in a clear space at the top of each paper ballot
[.] or of each punchcard and covering folder as the case may be.
If paper ballots are used, [Underneath] underneath these words
shall be printed the following warning: "Mark ballot by placing
"X" in proper blank after each candidate or question. Do not erase
or make identifying mark." If punchcard ballots are used, under-
neath these words on each punchcard shall be printed the follow-
ing warning: "Mark ballot by punching out the circled cross after
each candidate or question indicating your choice. Do not repair or
make identifying mark." If both sides of one or more punchcards
are used to accommodate the ballot, the words "vote both sides"
and the other wording required by this subsection shall appear on
both sides of each punchcard. Where punchcards are used, these
instructions may appear on stubs attached to the cards which may
be removed after the absentee voter has voted. The designation of
the election district or ward and the precinct shall be left blank
on paper ballots on the back and outside of said ballots and on
punchcard ballots on each punchcard and on the outside of the cov-
ering folders for said ballots, and such designation shall be filed
in by the appropriate board before being sent to any registered
absentee voter.

27-8.

The printed instructions for the casting of absentee ballots are
as follows:

Instructions to Voters

Enclosed are a State Absentee Ballot, Ballot Envelope and a Re-
turn Envelope for use in returning the ballot. Warning: Failure
to follow these instructions will invalidate the ballot.

(a) (1) [Examine] if paper ballots are used, examine the ballot
before marking. When once marked, do not erase. Mark the ballot
with either pencil or ink by placing an (X) in the block after each
candidate for whom you wish to vote and in the appropriate block
after each constitutional amendment, referendum or any other
question (if any appear on the ballot), for or against which you
wish to vote. Do not vote for more candidates than the number speci-
fied over the names of candidates for each office. The ballot must be
marked secretly. Do not sign your name or put on the ballot any
mark of identification or any other mark except the (X) mark or
the name of a written-in candidate.